Clarence “Frogman” Henry was a New Orleans-based rhythm & blues singer best known for his songs, the novelty hit “Ain’t Got No Home” and “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do.”
- Died: April 7, 2024 (Who else died on April 7?)
- Details of death: Died of complications from surgery in New Orleans at the age of 87.
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Clarence “Frogman” Henry’s legacy
Born in New Orleans, Clarence Henry played trombone in school and studied piano as a teen. He ended up in Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers as an instrumentalist while still in high school, but left in 1955.
His signature song, “Ain’t Got No Home,” sung in a quirky croak, was an improvised number that a Chess Records rep heard and had him record under their Argo imprint. The song became an enduring hit. It rose to No. 3 on the R&B charts and No. 20 on the pop charts. Clarence Henry became “Frogman” as a result, and a New Orleans star was born.
Henry had two other hits with “(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do,” written by Bobby Charles, and “You Always Hurt the One You Love.” He was popular enough to have opened 18 shows for The Beatles in 1964, and over the years his work has appeared in films and on television. He also played packed shows on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street for two decades. Henry has been inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
Tributes to Clarence “Frogman” Henry
Full obituary: NOLA.com
